Bundesliga International lands historic three-year deal with MBC GROUP for the MENA region

22 August 2025

Bundesliga International lands historic three-year deal with MBC GROUP for the MENA region

Bundesliga International strikes deal with MBC GROUP, becoming the first European league to be shown on their linear and digital channels
MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in MENA, and will offer fans the opportunity to watch multiple games per matchday free-to-air
Alongside live matches, both organisations will work together on joint-marketing strategy to continue the growth of the Bundesliga in a locally relevant way

The Bundesliga will be available to millions of football fans throughout the Middle East and North Africa region, after a three-year partnership was struck with media powerhouse MBC GROUP. The move comes as part of the Bundesliga International’s global growth strategy to ensure maximum exposure in a rapidly growing fanbase.

Recognised as the largest and leading media conglomerate in MENA, and present in every Arab-household, MBC GROUP will now bring the Bundesliga to its core sports offering as the first European league to be broadcasted.

The deal, which begins immediately, ensures that the millions of German football fans across the region can watch Bundesliga matches without restriction, starting with this Friday’s season opener between reigning champions FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig (kick off 20:30 CEST).

Three matches a week will be available on free-to-air (FTA) channel MBC ACTION, while the opening match will air on the flagship channel MBC1 to celebrate the launch of the new season. All matches will be available on Shahid – the world’s leading Arabic streaming platforms. Together, Bundesliga International and MBC GROUP will develop a joint-marketing strategy, ensuring that the partnership goes way beyond the live matches.

“We are proud to work with the region’s leading player, and one that is committed to bringing the Bundesliga closer than ever before to millions of football fans,” said Peer Naubert, CEO of Bundesliga International:

“As one of the fastest growing regions for football fandom, and in particular within the female demographic, the Middle East and North Africa is central to our global growth strategy, and our partnership is built on a 360-degree, localised approach that will ensures we are telling the stories that matter in a relevant and engaging way. From the world-class product on the field, to our unique and unrivalled clubs and fans, MBC’s phenomenal reach and position as a media and entertainment superpower will ensure that together we deliver the best of the Bundesliga day-in and day-out.”

The Bundesliga has been active across the MENA region, at all levels of football development. In April 2025, Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig hosted an all-female coaching delegation from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), sharing expertise and providing opportunities for the young coaches to lead training sessions at their elite academies.

Furthermore, the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has hosted leagues for knowledge exchange workshops on areas such as broadcast technology and league administration. As part of a comprehensive growth strategy, the league is also active on the ground to bring the Bundesliga closer to fans. Alongside coaching exchanges and fan visits, Bundesliga International hosted its first Iftar in Jeddah in April 2025, with Bundesliga fans gathering to a Ramadan Iftar and watching a Bundesliga match.

“We are proud to partner with the Bundesliga, bringing the next three seasons of the German Premier League to the MENA region exclusively across MBC broadcast and streaming platforms. Our partnership will extend beyond broadcasting rights to also include marketing and promotion, as well as exchanging comprehensive technical expertise, and much more,” said Mike Sneesby CEO of MBC Group.

“This new agreement is part of our strategic objective to bring the best international sports to millions of fans across the Arab world and the entire region and will allow them to enjoy all the magic of German football,” concluded Sneesby.

[Source: MBC press release]

Media Freedom Coalition issues statement on Foreign Media Access to Gaza

21 August 2025

Media Freedom Coalition issues statement on Foreign Media Access to Gaza

In light of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, we, the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition, urge Israel to allow immediate independent foreign media access and afford protection for journalists operating in Gaza.  

Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war. Access to conflict zones is vital to carrying out this role effectively. We oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts.    

We also strongly condemn all violence directed against journalists and media workers, especially the extremely high number of fatalities, arrests and detentions. We call on the Israeli authorities and all other parties to make every effort to ensure that media workers in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem – local and foreign alike – can conduct their work freely and safely. Deliberate targeting of journalists is unacceptable. International humanitarian law offers protection to civilian journalists during armed conflict. We call for all attacks against media workers to be investigated and for those responsible to be prosecuted in compliance with national and international law. 

We reiterate calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the remaining hostages, unhindered flow of humanitarian aid and for a path towards a two-state solution, long-term peace and security.  

Signed:

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
Sierra Leone
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
the Netherlands
the United Kingdom

Radio Taiwan International announced as Broadcast Partner of the AIBs 2025

14 August 2025

Radio Taiwan International announced as Broadcast Partner of the AIBs 2025

Rti joins with the 21^st annual AIBs to demonstrate its commitment to global journalism and media freedom

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is pleased to announce that Radio Taiwan International (Rti) has joined the AIBs 2025 as the official Broadcast Partner. As part of the partnership, Rti will have exclusive rights to distribute the 21st annual AIBs gala awards event, which will take place in London on 14 November 2025, across its platforms.

In addition to its broadcast partnership, Rti is also confirmed as the sponsor of the News Coverage – Audio category, one of the most competitive awards recognising outstanding journalism in radio and podcasting from around the world.

This collaboration underscores Rti’s long-standing commitment to media freedom, impartial journalism, and international collaboration. At a time when press freedom is under threat in many regions, Rti continues to provide trusted, independent news and programming in multiple languages, serving audiences across Asia and globally.

Cheryl Lai, Chairperson of Radio Taiwan International (pictured), said: “The AIBs are a vital platform to honour and amplify the work of journalists and storytellers who bring truth to light in an increasingly complex world. At Rti, we believe in the power of journalism to hold power to account, to inform the public, and to build mutual understanding across cultures. Supporting the AIBs reflects our dedication to these values and our desire to stand with fellow broadcasters and content creators who share our commitment to editorial integrity and public service.”

Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of the Association for International Broadcasting, commented: “We are delighted to continue our close collaboration with Rti in 2025. Rti has generously supported the AIBs for a number of years, and this continuing relationship demonstrates the importance that Rti and the nation of Taiwan attaches to media freedom and impartial journalism. Through Rti’s support, we are able to celebrate the work of journalists and their colleagues in bringing the stories that matter to audiences globally.”

Established in 2005, the AIBs are the international competition that celebrates the best journalism and factual productions across video, audio, and digital platforms. With entries from broadcasters, media companies and production houses in more than 40 countries, the AIBs represent a global benchmark of excellence in factual media.

The AIBs 2025 gala on 14 November will bring together leading figures from across the international media industry, recognising work that informs, educates and inspires audiences worldwide. This year, the gala dinner will take place at the Park Hyatt London River Thames, moments from Westminster and the Houses of Parliament.

For more information about the AIBs and this year’s categories, visit www.theaibs.tv

ABCID launches international media networking platform

13 August 2025

ABCID launches international media networking platform

The Indo-Pacific Media Network launches this week (11 August 2025), linking “alumni” from ABC International Development (ABCID) programs and creating a dynamic way for journalists and media professionals in Asia and the Pacific to exchange ideas, build relationships and identify career development opportunities.

The Network will operate via a newly created private Facebook Group and is open to anyone who has participated in ABCID programs.

ABCID Manager Jo Elsom said, “We are building a cross-border community to harness the unlimited potential of approximately 6,000 media professionals across 23 countries in the Indo-Pacific region who have been part of ABCID programs since 2020.

“This will be a dedicated space for ongoing learning and professional development, where media professionals who are passionate about serving their communities and the public interest can lean on each other to navigate industry challenges such as information integrity, skills development, business sustainability, artificial intelligence and mis- and disinformation.”

ABCID will manage the network, developed in consultation with media from 10 countries in Asia and the Pacific. ABCID supports leaders, journalists, content makers, broadcast technicians and media organisations working in news, sport, content production, behaviour change communications and media sector development.

Learn more about how to join the Indo-Pacific Media Network here.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus in August: The Pursuit of Peace

4 August 2025

NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus in August: The Pursuit of Peace

The Pursuit of Peach – Searching for Answers

Animation Documentary Iwata’s Grandma August 1 Fri. 1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30/22:30 (UTC) August 5 Tue. 19:00 (UTC) Why does Iwata’s Grandma refuse to be in photos? This animation documentary is based on a picture book about the atomic bomb tragedy but conveys kindness and hope rather than fear and anxiety.
Documentary 360 KAMIKAZE: An Untold History August 9 Sat. Ep.1 August 10 Sun. Ep.2 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC) On the Pacific front towards the end of World War II, Japan’s imperial armed forces launched “kamikaze” attacks, or suicide missions by aircrafts laden with bombs. It was a mad operation with no hope of returning alive. But the nation went wild, and the attacks continued for ten months, literally until the very last day of war. About 4,000 crew lost their lives. How could this happen? Utilizing 15 years-worth of extensive interviews with both US and Japanese former military personnel as well as experts, combined with a detailed “hometown map” created from the data of each and every life lost, and the latest analysis of archival footage and documents, the program delves into the mechanism of how a crazed madness swept through an entire nation.
BOSAI: Science that Can Save Your Life Saturdays 5:40/11:40/17:40/22:40 (UTC) Mondays 1:15 (UTC) Tuesdays 8:45 (UTC) Japan has a long history of natural disasters. BOSAI explores how to overcome them and save lives with the power of science.

MBC GROUP joins forces with Netflix

28 July 2025

MBC GROUP joins forces with Netflix

MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media organisation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announces a groundbreaking new regional partnership with Netflix, one of the world’s leading entertainment services.

This first-of-this-kind partnership for Netflix in the Middle East and North Africa will give customers of MBCNOW – the recently launched entertainment service aggregator by MBC GROUP – seamless access to the full Netflix service. The newly created bundle will combine Netflix alongside Shahid, the world’s Arabic streaming platform, in addition to Linear TV channels, in one simple subscription.

This exciting new offering – bringing together two streaming giants under one roof – has never been seen before in MENA and promises to cater to the varied viewing preferences of families from the GCC, wider Arab world, and beyond. Featuring an extensive variety of content, including critically acclaimed series, documentaries, films, and more, there’s something for everyone this season with MBCNOW.

Fadel Zahreddine, Group Director of Emerging Media at MBC GROUP, commented: “This groundbreaking partnership is one for the books. To have two streaming giants – Shahid and Netflix – come together under one platform is something never seen before in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and wider MENA, and we’re very excited for what’s to come.”

“We’re thrilled to have MBC GROUP join forces with Netflix to bring its content to our audiences under the convenience of a single subscription. This collaboration is part of our ongoing commitment to provide unparalleled global and local experiences for our audiences in the region. This is definitely the future of streaming and content consumption.” added Bhanu Chaddha, Director of Distribution and TV Products at MBC GROUP.”

On his part, Mohammed Al Kuraishi, Head of Business Development and Partnerships, Middle East and Africa at Netflix said. “We are delighted to partner with MBC GROUP to bring our members in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the region easy access to our service and an incredible variety of international and Arabic shows, movies, documentaries, kids content, stand-ups, Live- events, and games. This partnership brings unparalleled entertainment offering to our members and puts them at the heart of the entertainment experience.”

Launched February 2025, MBCNOW offers an unmatched approach to content consumption for Saudi and wider Arab audiences. Transcending traditional TV viewing, MBCNOW has been designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between digital streaming and traditional broadcast television – bringing together MBC’s award-winning channels, as well as Shahid, all in one destination.

With the new Netflix agreement, MBC GROUP brings forward a distinctive bundle through MBCBNOW:

Shahid + Netflix Pack: Combines the best of Arabic and international content, featuring Shahid’s vast library of award-winning Arabic TV shows, films, and documentaries, along with Netflix’s full catalogue. This bundle features a saving of more than or 21% compared to individual subscriptions.

Now available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia across all major retailers and eCommerce stores, MBCNOW is the go-to hub for all entertainment needs. For more information on MBCNOW’s offers, options, and availability, as well as its brand-new bundle with Shahid and Netflix, please visit: mbc-now.net.

[Source: MBC press release]